ABSTRACT
Article 52 of chapter VIII of the UN charter states: “Nothing in the present charter precludes the existence of regional arrangements or agencies for dealing with such matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security as are appropriate for regional action….” But the charter goes well beyond not precluding: “The Members … entering into such arrangements … shall make every effort to achieve pacific settlement of local disputes through such regional arrangements … before referring them to the Security Council.” And beyond that: “The Security Council shall encourage the development of pacific settlement of local disputes through such regional arrangements….”
